21 January 2015
The preventive effect of adequate magnesium intake on developing type 2 diabetes appears to vary depending on genetic variations and ethnicity, reports a new US study.
The observational study analyzed magnesium intake, cases of type 2 diabetes, and specific genetic variations in 7,287 African-American women and 3,285 Hispanic women between the ages of 50 and 79 (1). The study results showed that the participants’ risk of developing type 2 diabetes varied depending on magnesium intake, genetic variations (polymorphisms) in magnesium-related ion channel genes, and ethnicity. For example, among Hispanic women with low magnesium intake, certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with an increased risk of diabetes. Among African-American women with high magnesium intake, one specific gene variation was found to have a diabetes-protective effect.
The researchers commented that earlier large prospective studies of men and women have already associated increased magnesium intake with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (2). The absorption of magnesium (Mg2+) relies on ion channels coded by genes of which several single-nucleotide polymorphisms are known. Such genetic variations in ion channels can significantly influence the body’s magnesium supply and glucose metabolism, and are associated with the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (3). A sufficient intake of magnesium may partially compensate for magnesium deficiency caused by such genetic mutations. Further confirmation of these recent observations is needed from future mechanistic studies, the scientists noted.
15 April 2014
The main function of vitamin E is to protect against damage of reactive oxygen species. It also has non-antioxidant functions in cell signaling, gene expression and regulation.
4 April 2014
According to a new study from China school children with vitamin D deficiency have an elevated risk of developing diseases caused by higher levels of obesity and oxidative stress.
26 November 2013
A new Australian study suggests that increasing the omega-3 fatty acid concentrations in red blood cells by dietary supplementation may improve attention, literacy and behavior in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
